Believe it or not! May 17th is our annual Fashion
Show/Mini Tricky Tray. My, how fast this is coming and it
is time once again to clean your closets, drawers, cabinets of
BRAND NEW Items that you are not interested in keeping.
It's a great time to re-gift your holiday presents and reduce
clutter. We are happy to take your unused and unwanted
items. We also need baskets. Many, many baskets. Please
bring these items and more to the office, my front porch, my
back door or call me and I will make arrangements for pickup or drop-off. Of course, monetary donations are happily
accepted so we may buy a "big grand prize". Please donate!
Thanking you in advance for your participation.
Jill Berson, Chairperson

Buying Passover Goods is one
of the more expensive meal
planning times of the year, Buy
a Gift Card from Sisterhood!
Buy Supermarket Gift Cards
for A&P, ShopRite, and
Stop & Shop
These Cards return
up to
5% of your purchases
to the synagogue
Your normal weekly shopping
will contribute hundreds of
dollars over the course of a year.
Call: Leslie Kantrowitz 973-694-4821
(Bea also has gift cards in the office)

Cub Scouts
begins at
Gerrard Berman Day
S
c
h
o
o
l
The Gerrard Berman Day
School Cub Scout troop has
been formed and just
started February 11. The
Gerrard Berman Day
School troop invites all
Jewish boys between the
a g e s
o f
5-10 years of age to join a
den to learn and socialize
following the scouting
program goals. This is an
excellent developmental
program that gives
guidance to young boys and
is a great way to develop
connections and life skills.
The new pack will have 3
dens to accommodate the
different age levels led by
Scout Master Lonnie
Helfand. Contact GBDS at
201-337-1111 if you would
like your child to join.

From The Rabbi’s Study
the allure of Matzah really
outshine the cheesecake of
Shuvuot? Do the bitter herbs
of Passover taste sweeter than
Rosh Hashana’s honey? Can
those ever improving Passover bagels hold a candle to
Shabbat’s Challah? While
Passover’s gastronomic experience is unique, one would
hardly classify it as gourmet.

“Every woman
who has
cleaned the
house for
Passover,
prepared a
Seder and
served it, has
experienced the
exodus once
their work is
done.”

In the event of
an emergency
Rabbi Senter
can be contacted
by cell phone at
973-713-8727

As I write this article, the
lawn is covered with snow
and the roadways are treacherous with black ice. It is
hard to imagine that Passover
is around the corner. In reality, Winter gives way to
Spring, Spring to Summer,
Summer to Fall and again
Winter. With each season
comes the holidays, each
unique in their own way.
According to recent statistics,
the Passover Seder is the
most observed ritual event of
the Jewish calendar. Seemingly non observant Jews go
to great lengths to attend the
Passover Seder even when
they are traveling. What is it
about the Passover Seder that
is so significant? What aspect of the ritual calls to the
Jewish soul in a way that
surpasses even the call of
Rosh Hashana’s Shofar?
The simplistic answer is gastronomical Judaism. We
Jews love to eat. A student
of mine described all Jewish
holidays as follows. “They
tried to kill us, we survived,
let’s eat”. While the gastronomical experience of a Seder might be attractive, could

Perhaps it’s about history.
The collective opportunity to
remember a time long passed,
a shared moment in history
that we consider defining.
For the traditional Jew this
may be the case. What is the
draw for the non-traditional
Jew? I have had people at
my Seder table who question
the historic accuracy of the
exodus. Why would someone celebrate events which
they are not certain occurred?
The answer is found in the
words of the Seder, “bchol
dor v'dor chayav adam lir'ot
atzmo k'iylu hu yatza
miMitzrayim” (in every generation a person is required to
view themselves as if they
experienced the exodus).
Tradition teaches us that we
are supposed to feel as if we
went from slavery to freedom. My grandmother once
said the following in jest,
“Every woman who has
cleaned the house for Passover, prepared a Seder and
served it, has experienced the
exodus once their work is
done.” The Seder reminds us
of past events through ritual
and symbolism yet the Seder
is not about those events. Iit
is about growth and understanding by facing chal-

lenges. Each of us has challenges in our lives. We become slaves to those challenges if we are not able to
adapt and grow while facing
life’s challenges.
In this difficult economy,
each of us faces challenges
that require us to rise up and
evolve on personal and professional levels. The Seder
and its rituals remind us that
even slaves can evolve and
grow by facing challenges
and adapting. Challenges can
be frightening. They force us
to step out of our comfort
zone. It is important for us to
understand that each challenge presents opportunity
for significant growth. This is
a promise of the exodus narrative and one of many divine
truths contained in the Passover Seder. The stories of
our sacred texts, as celebrated
on Passover, are a delivery
system of divine truths and
lessons. These sacred truths
make the discussion of historical accuracy irrelevant.
On behalf of Elissa and our
entire family, I wish you a
Sweet and Happy Passover.
With Torah Blessings,

Rabbi David Ross Senter

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Page 3

Message from the President– Larry Tornow
Haverim,
I want to thank those of
you who took the time
to answer and respond to
the Rabbinical Search
Survey.

There was question
number 9 which read:
“ 9) Our new rabbi
should be able to: Please
check the following: a)
Read Torah ______ Yes
______ No.”

That received some interesting responses. One
or two were incredulous
that a Rabbi would not
be able to read Torah.
Someone asked if we
were kidding about the
NO response. The answer to that is no we
were not kidding. After
Rabbi Lichtenfeld’s tenure here, the then search
committee was interviewing a potential replacement. That candidate absolutely refused
to read Torah under any
circumstances.

There were some interesting responses also.
One of our members
who responded suggested that the new rabbi
erect a Mechizah in the

sanctuary. For those
who are unfamiliar with
the term, it is a wall that
separates the men from
the women in a shul.
These are prominent in
Orthodox and Hassidic
congregations. A side
note is that if you ever
see a Monsey Tours bus
going into the city during early morning rush
hour they will have a
Mechizah on the bus.

There were members
who felt that the congregation was warm, welcoming, and family, I
agree with that. Yes, we
have had our vehement
arguments and fights but
that is what happens in
many families. I just
want the family to pull
together, contribute
what they can and work
to maintain Congregation Beth Shalom.

You have recently received in the mail, a
form and pricing for the
purpose of buying a
brick for the pathway in
the front of the building.
This type of remembrance, for you, your
family as well as other
tributes is done in many
places. I was at the

Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National
Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, Maryland and
there were hundreds of
them from all over the
country and the world.
What a lasting tribute
that is to the members of
that extended brotherhood and family. Please
consider making that
donation and tribute.

We are moving ahead
with a celebration of our
75th anniversary. If you
would like to help with
the planning, and implementation of that event
please let us know. We
could use your help and
input.

There are other events
being planned and again
we are looking for volunteers to help out.
Please consider spending some time to continue making CBS a
warm and family like
place.

Shalom to all

Larry

“Yes, we have had
our vehement
arguments and fights
but that is what
happens in many
families. I just want
the family to pull
together, contribute
what they can and
work to maintain
Congregation Beth
Shalom.“

Page 4

C o n g r e g a t i o n

B e t h

S h a l o m

Sisterhood - Ellie Weiner

Sisterhood is an
important part of
the ‘life’ of
Congregation Beth
Shalom.
Won’t you join
and participate
with us!

As this letter
reaches you we are
hopefully seeing signs
of spring coming around
the corner. We have
enjoyed many wonderful
events in the last few
months. A lovely trip to
Morristown Theater
included a sweet show
and a wonderful time
with friends. We
learned a little more
about our bodies and
bones. As ladies, we
take time to take care of
everyone. We must set
aside time to take care
of ourselves as well.
We look forward to
informative topics like
this in the future. We
even had a chance to
relax and catch up with
each other, dance a night
away and of course we
always eat.
There are more
exciting events in store
for us to come. We will
be having a Wine Night
on March 6th. There
will be opportunity to
taste different kosher
wines. We will be able
to learn about wines
from a connoisseur and
we can stock up for
Passover as well. We
will be able to sample
some tasty appetizers
and parve for Passover
desserts with bonus take
home recipes. After
this event it will be a

breeze to prepare for
Passover at home this
year. So don't forget to
mark your calendars.
We are starting a
new social action project
this month as well. We
are knitting hats and
scarves for school
children. So get out
those needles and lets
help out those in need.
Finally don't
close out those calendars
just yet. There are many
more interesting events
to remember.
We have our
Progressive Dinner
planned at some of our
sister's homes. Woman
of the Year and Torah
Fund Supper are
upcoming. Don't forget
our big fundraiser for
the year! The Fashion
Show and Tricky Tray
are a blast!
A great chance to check
out some fashion and
bring home a few
winnings, and socialize
with our sisters!
Let me close by
wishing everyone a
Pesach filled with health
and happiness
overflowing.

Have a Special
Occasion coming
up?
Share it with us!
Sponsor an
ONEG SHABBAT or
KIDDISH!
Contact
Jennifer Karasik
973-839-1361
jarasik@aol.com

Whether you still
cook, nuke, or order
in, you will enjoy our
latest publication.
More than 300
recipes
Some old, some new,
some borrowed
just to please you!
Get Your Copy !

Shalom,
Ellie

Contact
Sisterhood
or Bea
in the office

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Men’s Club—Bruce Weiner

Page 5

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C o n g r e g a t i o n

B e t h

S h a l o m

Guide to Passover and Passover Preparations
What follows is a general guideline of dietary regulations for Pesach. Any questions should be directed to
the Rabbi, who would be happy to clarify any doubts.
Prohibited foods: These are foods containing fermented or leavened grain which has been exposed to water
for 18 minutes prior to cooking or baking. These foods are called CHAMETZ. Examples are: breads, cake,
crackers, cereal, cookies, pasta, candy, or any product containing grain derivatives, such as flavors made
with grain alcohol, grain vinegar, liquors, beer, etc. Ashkenazic (Eastern European) tradition, by which we
are bound, also prohibits the use of rice, corn, beans, and peas, known as Kitniyot. Most Ashkenazim
(people of Eastern European descent) include string beans in this category, however family customs vary.
Permitted foods: The following foods do not require Kosher for Passover certification if purchased prior to
Pesach. Note: labels must be checked to verify that these items are in their pure form with no additives
unless otherwise specified: coffee (unflavored), tea (unflavored), cane sugar, salt, whole or ground unprocessed spices, frozen fruit juice (no additives), fresh fruit juice, frozen vegetables without seasonings or
sauces (see note above re: bean and pea products), frozen fruit, dried fruit (may contain potassium sorbate),
*cottonseed oil, *canola oil, virgin olive oil, *tuna packed in water, *pickles packed in salt water with lactic acid (no vinegar), *olives packed in salt water with lactic acid (no vinegar), apple cider vinegar, potato
starch, milk, cream, domestic cheese, and butter. NOTE: Items marked with an asterisk must bear an acceptable Kosher Certification to ascertain that they meet a basic kosher standard.
The following products may also be purchased on Pesach without a special Passover certification: fresh
fruits, fresh vegetables (see note above re: bean and pea products), eggs, fresh fish, and fresh meat.
All other processed foods require a special Kosher for Passover certification. Stickers that do not bear the
name of a recognized rabbi or symbol of a national group should be suspect; any questions should be referred to the Rabbi.
Detergents: Detergents do not require a special Kosher for Passover label, however, new containers should
be used.
Medication: Discontinuing any medication which you are taking on the advice of a doctor is prohibited
according to Halacha (Jewish law). If you are taking a medication that you suspect contains
CHAMETZ, please consult the Rabbi prior to discontinuing said medication. Many medications do contain CHAMETZ binders. The Rabbi is available to discuss any medical issues
with both you and your doctor.
Search and Removal of Chametz
A search for chametz is made the night before Passover (Sunday evening, March 28th ). The custom is to
disperse pieces of chametz around the home. A blessing is made:
Bo-ruch A-toh Adon-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olam A-sher Kid-de-sh-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Vi-tzi-vo-nu Al
Be-or Cha-metz.

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Page 7

(We bless you Ah-do-nai, our God, ruler of the universe, who has sanctified us with the commandments, and has commanded us to remove the leaven.)
A candle is customarily used (a flashlight is fine also) to search in every room for chametz. All
chametz found should be put in one area to be burned the next morning. Also look for chametz at the
office.
After the search one must also nullify [the chametz he may have overlooked] and say:
All leaven or anything leavened with is in my possession, which I have niether seen nor removed, and
about which I am unaware, shall be considered naught and ownerless as the dust of the earth.
Erev Pesach Siyum:
It is customary on the morning before Pesach for the firstborn in each family to fast in recognition of
the fact that our ancestors' firstborn were spared during the plague of the firstborn. Since fasting would
be difficult the morning prior to the Seder, the practice of holding a Siyum was instituted. The Siyum is
a celebration of the completion of a section of Torah with a meal. This celebration of Torah study takes
precedence over the obligation to fast. The Rabbi's Siyum will be held on Wednesday morning, March
29th, beginning at 7:30 am. All firstborn are invited to attend. Please RVSP to the synagogue office
973-835-3500.
Maos Chittim:
Jews preparing to celebrate Pesach have always been concerned that everyone in the Jewish community be able to do so. Maos Chittim is a special mitzvah of helping those in need buy Pesach supplies
and celebrate the holiday in a dignified fashion. To participate in this important mitzvah you can make
a contribution to the Maos Chittim fund c/o Congregation Beth Shalom.
Burning The CHAMETZ:
The morning before Pesach (Wednesday) we must destroy all CHAMETZ that remains in our possession before the end of the fifth hour after sunrise. The preferred manner of destroying the CHAMETZ
is burning. We will have a communal CHAMETZ burning at the synagogue Monday morning, March
29th, at 9:00 -10:00 am. If you cannot be present just leave your bag at the synagogue door and we
will burn it for you. Note: put your name on the bag so we know whom we are representing when we
burn your CHAMETZ. Only CHAMETZ wrapped in paper bags should be brought; NO PLASTIC.

"MECHIRAT CHAMETZ"-SELLING THE CHAMETZ
"For seven days, leaven shall not be found in your house. . ." Exodus 12.19
Jewish law prohibits the possession of leaven, "CHAMETZ," during Passover. Traditionally Jewish people have disowned their
"CHAMETZ" by selling it through an intricate legal document executed by a Rabbi.
To avoid having "CHAMETZ" in your possession during Passover, please fill out the form below and return it to Rabbi Senter. If
you are not able to meet with the Rabbi personally you may send the completed form to the synagogue office.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I, the undersigned, fully empower and permit Rabbi David R. Senter to act in my place to sell all "CHAMETZ" (leavened products)
possessed by me (knowingly or unknowingly) as defined by the Torah and Rabbinic Law. The approximate value of the
"CHAMETZ" is $ _________ . The "CHAMETZ" consists of dry goods, refrigerated items, liquor and all other forms of actual
"CHAMETZ" or "CHAMETZ" Mixtures. The items being sold are located at the address listed below.

Name _______________________________________
Please Print

Address _______________________________________________________________________________
City

State

Zip

Second Location (Business or Second Home)
Address _______________________________________________________________________________
City

OFFICE HOURS:
MONDAY – THURSDAY
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
CBS’s Newsletter welcomes comments and articles each month from
members on any topic. Deadline is the 10th of the month for the following month.
Email cbsnewsletter@optonline.net
Stan Sidlov, Editor

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C o n g r e g a t i o n

B e t h

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YAHRZEITS FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ADAR / NISAN 5770
YAHRZEITS to be read on MARCH 5 +6

Consider Making a Donation to the Synagogue
Sometimes only the big donations get all the attention. Some
of us are happy to be able to donate hundreds or more, and
see our names in print or on a plaque. It is not only the big
machers who can afford to donate. There are lots of small
ways to donate in every day life to the Congregation to help it
without making a fuss or huge dent in your wallet. CBS has a
number of programs that help earn a little extra towards the
bottom line.
We have many different funds and areas of the congregationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
activities that require funding of any amount. We have Jewish
National Fund, Speaker Fund, Torah Maintenance, Synagogue
Fund, Rabbiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Discretionary Fund, memorial & scholarship
funds such as the Eliot Sakolsky & Bari Goldstein Funds, the
Library Fund, Shiva Basket Fund, our Shimcha Tree and
many other ways to help us improve our congregation and the
activities we sponsor.

At the time of the writing of this article, we
are deeply in the midst
of winter and are already preparing for
Passover.
February will have had
the 4th and 5th graders
help to lead the Friday
night service on February 26th. We have the
3rd graders scheduled to
do the same on March
19th. This is the same
night as their Siddur
Presentation as well as
the Honor Roll Ceremony for the second
marking period. Please
come and share this always wonderful evening
with us.
We will also have had
our annual Purim Celebration and Kid’s Mini
Tricky Tray. Great
thanks to Jennifer Karasik and her committee
for all of the hard work
that is put into making
this the fun and successful event which it has
always been.
On Sunday, March 21st
we will have our
“Grandparents and Special Friends” Model Seder. The day will start
with a chometz search
and burning at 10:30
AM. This is our
school’s 5th “Special

Event” for our students.
Everyone is invited to
attend but please, if
your child is not enrolled in our Hebrew
School, RSVP to me.
I will also take this opportunity to let everyone know that, regretfully, I will be stepping
down as Hebrew School
administrator and
teacher at the end of
this current school year.
I have been involved in
teaching here at CBS for
over 27 years and administrating for over 16
years. I have enjoyed all

of my years doing this
but I now need to tend
to personal obligations.
I thank all of you for
your constant support
of our program.

Support the
Local Food Bank
Please bring canned
and other dry goods for
distribution to local
families in need.
A
Beth Shalom
Community Project

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SIMCHA TREE
LEAVES and
ROCKS
There are spots
available on the
Simcha
Tree
which is prominently displayed
in our lobby. The
cost of each engraved leaf is
$180 and each
engraved rock is
$1,800.
Please
call Bea in the office if you’d like
to honor someone with a special gift such as
this.